My New Years Resolutions!

Sadly I am one of those people who make all these resolutions and have forgotten them by the second week of January. However this year I am very determined to stick by them as much as I can, as they are things that I really do need to prioritise more. I now realise the importance of not aiming to big and expecting miracles to happen, so I have chosen some realistic resolutions that I can come back to this time next year and hopefully have stuck to! So with no further ado....

Gift Guide - For Her

It's nearly Christmas! I cannot believe how quick its come around, did October and November even happen? It's just simply crazy. I thought what better to kick start my christmas blog posts than a gift guide series - starting with gifts for her! Now I've been really good this year and have completely finished my all my shopping and even halfway through all the wrapping which is my favourite part, but usually at this time I would start to realise (and panic) that I hadn't bought any gifts yet, so this post is for you guys! 

Wish List - High Neck Jumpers!

I feel as though I haven't done a wish list post in forever! With it coming up to christmas too I thought now would be the perfect time for an autumnal/wintery wish list of my favourite thing - a cosy knit! I have been crazing over the high neck trend this autumn, and often find that I am just automatically drawn to clothes with the turtle and polo necks. So it was no surprise that when putting together this wish list I noticed that the majority if not all can be classed as high necks, leading to a title change from just normal knitted jumpers! I have put together a little selection from high street stores, and chosen ones that I think are affordable and of good quality, as thats what I think is most important.

Advice Tuesday! - 25 Tips for University Students

I cannot believe that it has been a whole month since my last advice post on dealing with long distance relationships (here), it has come around so quickly that its feels like October hasn't even really happened. I thought this month I would focus on the famous topic of.... University, as I don't want every month to be so 'deep' and lengthy! Plus I know many of you have started university this year or have recently gone back, and whilst the end seems so far away it really does go in the blink of an eye and therefore I want to share with you my tips on how not to worry and make it the best it can be!

The Autumn Tag

There is a few things I just love about sundays. Firstly, I enjoy doing nothing! Nothing is better than a chilled sunday in your Pj's catching up with youtube, reading blogs, and eating everything in sight (in my case anyways!). I also love that it means it's time for the twitter #bbloggers chat, which I am new too but have really enjoyed partaking in and meeting such a fabulous bunch of people. That brings me to this post - The Autumn Tag, which I saw on Bows & Buttons blog that I was introduced to last sunday during the chat, and have really enjoyed reading. With it being sunday I also thought this was the perfect type of blog post for a lazy day! 

My morning and nighttime skincare routine!

One thing I love to read on beauty blogs is all the different skincare routines that everybody has. Not only has this introduced me to new products that I could try, it also pointed out those to stay away from and what isn't suited for my skin type. This being said, I thought I would share my routine in the  odd chance it might help one of my lovely readers who has the same skin dilemmas that I do!

Favourite Five Instagram Accounts

Similarly to my previous post on my favourite five bloggers (here) I have put together my favourite Instagram accounts; the ones I check regularly and whose feeds I just love. They aren't in any order as I can't really choose which my all time favourite one is but rather just my top picks that I though readers like myself would like to check out. They're are other accounts out there that I love which are a lot more popular but I thought as most of my readers will already have them on Instagram I would pick accounts that I enjoy that maybe you haven't read before...enjoy!

My favourite Topshop looks!

I don't know about you but one thing I just love about the Topshop website is that when you click on an item they piece it together in an outfit which is worn by the models. I think this is a genius idea as you get to see the whole look, and of course most importantly how a brand as big and established as Topshop would wear the piece. I thought I would share with you all my favourite looks that I have stumbled across so far that I thought would look great this autumn and for the upcoming winter.

Mini LUSH Haul

Last month I went to visit my boyfriend who works in Oxford for his university placement and was fortunate enough to be 'allowed' to go in Lush. I thought he was going to moan at me being a boy but to my surprise he didn't mind, and even got his mum something the cutie. Where I live there isn't a lush store so I was so excited to be able to by some products, although in hindsight I definitely should have got more than just two! So when it came to being back in Sheffield I knew I had to grab a couple more things, plus the sales assistant was so nice finding out the christmas product info for me and placing things on hold, that I just couldn't say no.

Advice Tuesday! - Long Distance Relationships

I have decided to start a monthly advice post, as whilst I may not be the best person out there to do
so and definitely don't have the worst problems I feel that there are some things that you guys might relate too! So, that being said on the first tuesday of every month a little bit of loving advice will be coming you way! To begin I thought I would go with something very close to my heart and something that I truly hate having to go through.... Long Distance Relationships.

My favourite five bloggers!

Long before I started this blog I was constantly reading other peoples wishing to start my own. This post is all about sharing with you guys the bloggers that I loved and inspired me to start, as well as my current favourites. I love reading these kinds of posts as it allows for readers to find out new people and blogs that they hadn't seen before and potentially new favourites! It was quite hard to narrow down as my blog bookmarks on my macbook is a huuuuuge list but I think I have narrowed it down to the ones that I enjoy reading and viewing the most.

Wishlist!

 

It's that time again... Wishlist! and its a little different this time as I am major crushing on River Island at the minute, I just want everything. I found that most things Ive been after this month are the dresses in the new AW15 range, so decided to put together a post for you on my fave picks at the moment.

Laura Mercier Haul

At the beginning of the summer when I still had lots of my student loan left over I did at bit of a splurge at Laura Mercier in John Lewis at Norwich. My mum swears by these products and I always trust her opinion so I decided to get some staple make up pieces that I knew I would both often use and would be of good quality.

*Also I apologise for the lack in quality of these photos! The lighting was awful and I didn't realise until they were uploaded onto my laptop so again very sorry!

Lipstick Love!

This is just a quick appreciation post because I simply couldn't keep this to myself! Yesterday my mum and I went shopping in town and was scouring the make up aisle of superdrug when I came across this autumnal beauty! and the best part... it cost me £1!

New York Fashion Week '15

As the majority of you know it is currently NY Fashion week and some of the designs for SS16 are just amazing! Completely out of my league but amazing none the less.  What I would do to be in New York right now ey! Anyhow, I thought I would take this moment to show you the top 10 looks that I have loved so far this week, which was actually quite hard to narrow down to.

New EcoTools brush sets!

Recently I have been trying to build up my make up collection and in doing so knew that I needed lots of new brushes. I myself like to do a little research before just purchasing products  especially when they will be used on my face, and the decision to buy EcoTools products was a no brainer. I have nothing against the other brands such as Real Techniques and Zoeva and I'm sure I'll purchase different brushes from different ranges at some point, but I couldn't fault the ethics behind EcoTools as a company and therefore trusted the brand whole heartedly.

Wish List

Over the last few months I've had to say Topshop has been a bit of a disappointment for me. I usually walk in the door and have a heap of clothes over my arm within seconds, but I have just been finding little I like and that that I do is waaaaay pricey for a poor student with an already waaaaay too big overdraft. However... at last my Topshop spark is back in full force! plus the sale is mega at the minute with some great bargains!

New skincare products

These last few months I have learnt the importance of looking after your skin whilst your still young. I had always been into make up but never had a strong skincare routine until around a year ago, and even then it hasn't been until recently that I have upped my game. Your skin is so important to keep healthy and with all the amazing products out there it can be hard to find the right ones. I have gone through numerous moisturisers, cleansers, toners etc until I found the best ones for me. Benefit has always been my go to as it is a brand that I trust whole heartedly with my face, and therefore I picked up both the Instant Comeback Serum and the It's Potent! Eye Cream.

As described on the bottle the instant comeback serum is designed for tired and dehydrated skin that boosts a youthful look that firms, smooths, energises and protects against visible signs of ageing. Having heard rave reviews about this product form my family and friends I decided to give this a go and can say that I was so happy I did! I suffer with bad dry skin that clumps in patches on my t-zone and chin and serums usually work for a month or two  and then seem to not have any affect. This however was a different story! I usually put it on before I go to sleep and wake up with minimal dry skin areas and can feel that my skin has been really hydrated. I recommend this product to anyone with a similar skin type to myself as it really has worked wonders for me.

I have to admit that I don't use the eye cream as much as I probably should... that being maybe twice a week if I remember.  With my final exams and dissertation going on it was pretty obvious to myself and the world that I had a serious bag problem... and not the designer kind as I would hope for.  Even though its rarely used I can say that when my dark circles where huge dark circles the cream did work to restore the elasticity which was notable, but I can't say whether this product irks in the long run as I just simply do not know. I am going to aim to use this more now that I don't wear as much make up because of summer so I will have to get back to your guys on whether its worth the money!

Now having tried sooooooo many moisturisers that barely did a thing for my skin I knew that I would have to bite the bullet and throw some cash away. It killed me. Not only did I try the Clarins Hydraquench Cream which failed completely for me as I didn't notice a thing, I then splurged £69 on their Super Resorative Day Cream which I had recommended at the counter.... which also did nothing! Safe to say I was devastated. Then one weekend at my mums I tried the Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser... and I hit the jackpot. Its a miracle cream is all I can say.

 I use this daily before applying my foundation, letting around five minutes pass to let it soak in and really do its magic. I have had people notice how smooth my make up looks and how generally nice my skin looks and that is a real confidence booster. The only issue I have is the smell... its not nice... only way I can describe it is like melted plastic its actually gross, but once its sunk into your skin its fine. I love this product and combined with the Instant Comeback serum my skin has really improved.

What moisturisers do you use? Im always on the look out for more to try!

Hannah 

x

Benefit's Roller Lash!

Now university is all over *cries* I can really get into my neglected blogging! Over the last year I have really stepped up on my makeup game, going for the more expensive yet better quality products over high street in order to protect my skin. Whilst high street brands are brilliant and cheap, sometimes the chemicals etc. in the products is a big skin ruiner, with a lack for conditioning being the main problem on my already dry skin. 

I thought I would start with a small review of my new favourite mascara - Benefits Roller Lash.

Being a religious benefit buyer I have tried both the BADgal and They're Real mascaras from their range (which are both brilliant too), but nothing is quite like the Roller Lash. Starting with the gorgeous packaging and bottle it was such an eye grabber, and the girly pink makes me feel pretty sorry not sorry and therefore I had to have it. The product itself is amazing. With the Hook 'n' Roll brush grabbing and lifting my eyes looked more open and my lashes where thicker and longer. The brush is also designed to curl the lashes and the instant curl setting formula can hold for up to 12 hours! Thats just genius. My lashes look the same when I leave the house in the morning to when I get back at night, leaving no black smudges as its worn off etc but still looking freshly coated.

This product worked wonders for me, and as you can see from the photo below it is a definite winner! WELL DONE BENEFIT yet again! How did you guys get on with it?

Hannah 

x

TinyTea Teatox

Being a girl who loves to read a million blogs about all the latest 'must haves', reviews of products tend to be my fave type of post. When starting back at uni I bought myself the YourTea - TinyTea Teatox, which was all the craze in the blogging world. Having read numerous reviews I thought to myself lets give this a try, and decided to note down my journey to see the changes.

This post is a simple review of how it went for me in comparison to what I had read previous, so bare with me guy as this is my first ever product review!

I have never liked hot drinks. Not because of the taste, but I just for some reason have never been keen on the hot part of it. Deciding to try the teatox was therefore a big choice for me as I was pretty sure I wouldn't like it, but after seeing all the bloggers raving about it, I thought just give it a go.... This led to me buying the 28 day TinyTea Teatox at a reasonable £31.00. With the benefits including assistance with weight loss, bloating and problematic skin I was definitely on board, hoping that it would work. The packaging is so cute, with a handy little booklet of all the teas that they do and pretty pink packets which I loved, and encouraged me to actually do the teatox properly, however silly that sounds!

Day 1-7

As said previously, not being a hot drinker made remembering to make the tea very hard, and then also remembering to drink it haha. You take the tea 3 times a day; half an hour before or after each meal, which by day 7 I had finally caught the hang of! My first week didn't really show many changes, I guess I felt a little more awake but nothing really noticeable, and for this reason I would definitely buy the 28 day package instead of the 14.

Day 8-14

This week I found that I looked forward to having my cup of tea, which I have to say is much much nicer than some green teas I have tried since. The flavour is lovely, and I found that I didn't really have an issue with it being hot, a small miracle! It does take FOREVER to cool down though, like a good 15 minutes, which often meant when in a hurry I burnt my mouth off. I wish someone had of told me this beforehand so I had a little warning. Although I stupidly didn't take before and after photos I did notice that my bloating had started to reduce. I wouldn't say I had lost weight, not at this point anyway, but I felt much better after eating a big meal and the bloating wasn't so noticeable as before. I loved that, as bloating has always been a big issue for me so it was nice to know that there was a way of reducing this.

Day 15-21

I found that this week was very similar to the previous. The bloating was still at a minimum, but still no weight loss, although this is just an added benefit and not everyone loses weight from it. I was much more awake during the day and often foregoing my daytime nap ritual, which gave me the energy I needed to do my uni work and all the other studenty things I did with friends. 

Day 22+

I was very disappointed to see the week come to an end. I loved the tea for its flavour and benefits, although losing a few pounds would've been a nice addition! I feel much more healthier in myself, I do believe my skin has cleared slightly which is always good, and it definitely helped with bloating problems.

I would definitely recommend the TinyTea teatox to those who are interested as the overall health benefits were noticeable, if only to myself. I would also 100% purchase this again, which I will do before summer as it was a nice and easy cleanse to keep up with. The numerous reviews out there that mirror mine are also something to go by... TRY IT OUT.

Hannah x

Fifty Shades of Grey!

After the craziness that was valentines weekend, I decided it was necessary to see the film Fifty Shades of Grey.

Now firstly having read the books I didn't hold much hope for the film. Honestly, I thought they were so poorly written with all the repetitiveness and just generally a bit of a let down I couldn't see the film bringing much more (other than a hot Dornan!). As well as this I had seen so many mixed reviews that it didn't really shift my initial opinion, but nevertheless it was a must see... being film of the year and all that. 

Safe to say I was pleasantly surprised. I like everyone else thought it was going to be some weird kind of porno but it didn't feel that way at all. Yes there were certain parts that were totally cringeworthy and also some slightly awkward to watch, but I was more surprised by the rest of the film and god forbid the actual storyline! I liked it. I Liked it enough to be furious with the cliffhanger ending. I liked it enough to also read the books again. I felt the acting could've been a little better as they (her) had a slight awkward tension that made me feel a bit awkward watching it but overall I really didn't think it was that bad.

I left feeling like I wanted my own rich businessman to turn up and buy me a Macbook, an Audi and to fly me places on a helicopter. Lucky for some ay?! For me the film had just the right amount of sex to storyline ratio which the books didn't have and I will definitely be going to see the next one! Also it had a killer soundtrack which always helps!

Hannah 

x